I suppose every preacher who ever heard Dr. Buskirk tell the story of the coppersmith has told it a kazillion times. We make it our own when it gets into the "preacher's soul". It goes something like this.
The church embarked upon a project to construct a new building. One design plan called for a steeple to be placed on the top of the building. An older gentleman in the church, a coppersmith, volunteered to build the steeple for the top of the building. His offer was graciously accepted.
Each day the coppersmith would go into his workshop and work. He constantly measured his work to ensure that when he completed the steeple it could be taken out of the shop and secured on top of the building. He carefully designed the steeple. He meticulously formed its shape. He forged and filed.
People would stop in to ask how the work was going. His response was always the same. "I am fashioning it down here so it will fit up there."
One day the pastor stopped by as the man was working. He was there when the bell rang and school let out for the day. Soon a little boy popped into the workshop. It was the coppersmith's grandson. He came by every day after school, on his way home. They would have a short conversation. Then it was "lets do our thing", and the two of them would pray together.
This day they were joined by the pastor. The coppersmith said to his grandson, "let's do our thing", and they invited the pastor to join them. Together they got on their knees in the copper filings and prayed. As they did, the sound of other boys and girls could be heard. They teased Johnny. "Johnny, prays with his grandpa, Johnny prays with his grandpa."
When they finished the little boy hopped up, gave his grandpa a hug, and ran off to join the others. The pastor was a bit stunned. He felt bad because the little boy was teased for praying. When he expressed his concern, the grandfather waved him off. He pointed out, "I am fashioning him down here so he will fit up there."
That story has been part of me for forty years. It comes back occasionally. Today I am reminded that God continues to fashion us.
In these days of "stay-at-home" we have some choices to make regarding how we deal with this. We are dealing with this moment physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We may get tired. We may "crack up". But what if...What if God graciously uses this time to "fashion us down here so we will fit up there?"
Even more accurately for our context...God is fashioning us IN here so we will fit (serve) OUT there.
There is a tomorrow coming. There is a future in store.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Reflections (Preparing)
You have been preparing. You may not have realized it, but you have been preparing for times like this.
You let someone go in front of you at a line in the grocery store. You were preparing to put others before yourself.
You remembered an old friend and gave them a call. You were preparing to be an encourager.
You gave faithfully to your church. You were preparing to be generous with very needy people.
You took a day off to do something with your family You were preparing to spend quality time with loved ones.
You practiced your regular routines. You were preparing for when life was anything but routine.
The list goes on and on.
Take a few minutes and reflect on all those things you did/do that have helped make this uneasy time something you find yourself taking in stride.
When I was in high school I was a pretty good free throw shooter in basketball. That was probably due to all the practice I put in. For fun, I would shoot 100 free throws. My expectation was that I would make at least 90 of them. If not, I would do it again. That translated to being above average in a game when it counted.
Imagine my surprise when I went to shoot two free throws in a tie game with only a couple of seconds on the clock. I assumed I would make them. Missed 'em both. Are you kidding me. It worked out. We won in overtime.
What do you do when you are practiced up (prayed up) and things do not work out like you anticipate? Do you quit and vow never to shoot another free throw? Probably not. Do you get mad and never re-engage. Probably not. Do you make an adjustment and move forward. Probably. Do you keep practicing and have things work out next time. Probably.
I did get another chance a few games later. Hit 4 free throws at the end of a game that our team won.
Each day you are contributing to the overall victory the world will know. Caronavirus will not define life for the next 100 years!
You have been preparing/being prepared for these times. Really! So, don't sell yourself short. Each day you make a contribution to the on-going work of God as He works redemptively in these days.
Thanks for your practice.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
You let someone go in front of you at a line in the grocery store. You were preparing to put others before yourself.
You remembered an old friend and gave them a call. You were preparing to be an encourager.
You gave faithfully to your church. You were preparing to be generous with very needy people.
You took a day off to do something with your family You were preparing to spend quality time with loved ones.
You practiced your regular routines. You were preparing for when life was anything but routine.
The list goes on and on.
Take a few minutes and reflect on all those things you did/do that have helped make this uneasy time something you find yourself taking in stride.
When I was in high school I was a pretty good free throw shooter in basketball. That was probably due to all the practice I put in. For fun, I would shoot 100 free throws. My expectation was that I would make at least 90 of them. If not, I would do it again. That translated to being above average in a game when it counted.
Imagine my surprise when I went to shoot two free throws in a tie game with only a couple of seconds on the clock. I assumed I would make them. Missed 'em both. Are you kidding me. It worked out. We won in overtime.
What do you do when you are practiced up (prayed up) and things do not work out like you anticipate? Do you quit and vow never to shoot another free throw? Probably not. Do you get mad and never re-engage. Probably not. Do you make an adjustment and move forward. Probably. Do you keep practicing and have things work out next time. Probably.
I did get another chance a few games later. Hit 4 free throws at the end of a game that our team won.
Each day you are contributing to the overall victory the world will know. Caronavirus will not define life for the next 100 years!
You have been preparing/being prepared for these times. Really! So, don't sell yourself short. Each day you make a contribution to the on-going work of God as He works redemptively in these days.
Thanks for your practice.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
Friday, April 24, 2020
Reflections (Social)
We are living in a period of "social distancing". I don't know about you, but this seems strange. If you feel this need to keep six feet apart from others and stay at home is strange, there is a good reason. As Christians, we are not wired for "social distancing". We are wired to live our faith in community.
John Wesley is quoted as saying, "The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness."
In present times and contexts some have taken that to be a reference to "social action". That is a misreading of the quote. Wesley was teaching the Methodists not to line up with those who practiced "holy solitaries". We are wired for community.
There were many calls to what we would refer to as "social action".
The Methodists worked against slavery.
The Methodists sought to feed the hungry, teach the illiterate, and care for the poor.
Wesley spoke against "distilled spirits". He does not appear to have any problem with "brews" but "distilled", yes. But the reason may be different from what you might think. The distilleries used grain in the process. That was grain being used for alcohol that could then not be used for food for the poor. Therefore, Wesley was opposed to distilled spirits. It was a "care for the poor" thing.
But I have gotten off track.
When Wesley taught about social religion and holiness, he was instructing the people on the importance of meeting together. This is how we are wired.
So, we have a problem. We are in a time of social distancing and isolation. It is intended to be for the public good. We will get antsy.
Here is a thought. First, why not use language of "physical distancing". That would make me feel better and it appears to be acceptable language in the current setting.
More importantly, let's see our physical distancing as a spiritual discipline. We may be wired for community, but there is a spiritual discipline of solitude.
Practice solitude. That is what we are being asked to do.
Personally, this is not as bad (being under the stay at home) as it could be. That may be due to the fact I have built a spiritual discipline of solitude into my daily life. For decades I have taken a portion of the day and spent it alone. This is my time to pray and read the scriptures. This is a spiritual discipline of solitude.
I am not a hermit. I am not one of the "desert Fathers" who lived solitary lives. (They still entertained pilgrims seeking insight into the spiritual life.) But I do value solitude. I need time with God!
So, it may prove helpful to appreciate the call to slow the pace and spend some time in solitude. Just include the Lord.
We may actually discover a spiritual discipline that may build us up long after this crisis is past.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
John Wesley is quoted as saying, "The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness."
In present times and contexts some have taken that to be a reference to "social action". That is a misreading of the quote. Wesley was teaching the Methodists not to line up with those who practiced "holy solitaries". We are wired for community.
There were many calls to what we would refer to as "social action".
The Methodists worked against slavery.
The Methodists sought to feed the hungry, teach the illiterate, and care for the poor.
Wesley spoke against "distilled spirits". He does not appear to have any problem with "brews" but "distilled", yes. But the reason may be different from what you might think. The distilleries used grain in the process. That was grain being used for alcohol that could then not be used for food for the poor. Therefore, Wesley was opposed to distilled spirits. It was a "care for the poor" thing.
But I have gotten off track.
When Wesley taught about social religion and holiness, he was instructing the people on the importance of meeting together. This is how we are wired.
So, we have a problem. We are in a time of social distancing and isolation. It is intended to be for the public good. We will get antsy.
Here is a thought. First, why not use language of "physical distancing". That would make me feel better and it appears to be acceptable language in the current setting.
More importantly, let's see our physical distancing as a spiritual discipline. We may be wired for community, but there is a spiritual discipline of solitude.
Practice solitude. That is what we are being asked to do.
Personally, this is not as bad (being under the stay at home) as it could be. That may be due to the fact I have built a spiritual discipline of solitude into my daily life. For decades I have taken a portion of the day and spent it alone. This is my time to pray and read the scriptures. This is a spiritual discipline of solitude.
I am not a hermit. I am not one of the "desert Fathers" who lived solitary lives. (They still entertained pilgrims seeking insight into the spiritual life.) But I do value solitude. I need time with God!
So, it may prove helpful to appreciate the call to slow the pace and spend some time in solitude. Just include the Lord.
We may actually discover a spiritual discipline that may build us up long after this crisis is past.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Reflections (moving chair)
It was several years ago when John and his daughter Joyce came into my office. His wife had recently passed away and he wanted to talk with me about a memorial gift to the church. They sat across from my desk and we talked about different possibilities. As is true in most of those situations they already had an idea. It became clear as we talked. They were thinking of making a contribution to the church to purchase Bibles for us to use. I thought it was a great idea.
John wrote out a check. He leaned forward to hand it to me. I stood up from behind my desk and reached out and received the check with a word of gratitude.
He leaned back. I sat down.
My chair moved.
Rather than sitting centered in my chair I hit the front edge. The chair went back and I went down. Suddenly I was gone. Nowhere to be seen from the other side of the desk!
I did not stay down long. I got up. Rearranged the chair and took my seat.
They had a look of concern on their faces.
I was fighting back the temptation to laugh out loud.
"Are you alright?" They were kind and gracious.
I was fine.
I kept the check. They took their leave and left me alone. Frankly, I am still laughing at the image. I found myself chuckling about my misadventure through the day. When I drove home I laughed out loud.
My chair moved.
I suppose I could have got mad at the chair. Chairs are inanimate objects. It did not do anything. I could have gotten angry with myself, but why. It was hilarious. I could have decided then and there to never trust a chair again. (I have sat down in five chairs this morning with no problems.)
It strikes me that we are living through a time when our chairs keep moving. Many of our assumptions - the chair will always stay in place and never move - are being challenged. Chairs keep moving.
Most days we notice. We adjust. We seldom fall on the seat of our pants. But we could.
Hopefully I am discovering some lessons during Covid-19.
Many people are in dire circumstances. I am learning to pray for people in nations who could easily face famine in the months ahead. It makes my irritation about lines at the store melt to nothing.
There are people who are sick. I give thanks for health.
There are people who are hopeless. I give thanks for an abiding peace and the hope that comes.
Chairs are moving.
I have my moments. I will continue to fall on the seat of my pants. And when I do I will be thankful for those who witness my mishaps and express concern.
When I fall on the floor I will seek to do so with good humor. After all, this really isn't all about me. I am simply making daily adjustments to life. Where is that chair!
Today don't be shocked if you find your chair has moved. Chances are almost 100% that you will notice and adjust without thinking about it.
There may be an anxious moment. But chances are good you will notice and adjust as you find your new center.
You may fall on the seat of your pants. If you do, know that we are watching. We won't even laugh (at least until we see you are fine). We will care. We will shown concern. We will probably chuckle when we get back to the car as we picture that preacher falling out of his chair.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
John wrote out a check. He leaned forward to hand it to me. I stood up from behind my desk and reached out and received the check with a word of gratitude.
He leaned back. I sat down.
My chair moved.
Rather than sitting centered in my chair I hit the front edge. The chair went back and I went down. Suddenly I was gone. Nowhere to be seen from the other side of the desk!
I did not stay down long. I got up. Rearranged the chair and took my seat.
They had a look of concern on their faces.
I was fighting back the temptation to laugh out loud.
"Are you alright?" They were kind and gracious.
I was fine.
I kept the check. They took their leave and left me alone. Frankly, I am still laughing at the image. I found myself chuckling about my misadventure through the day. When I drove home I laughed out loud.
My chair moved.
I suppose I could have got mad at the chair. Chairs are inanimate objects. It did not do anything. I could have gotten angry with myself, but why. It was hilarious. I could have decided then and there to never trust a chair again. (I have sat down in five chairs this morning with no problems.)
It strikes me that we are living through a time when our chairs keep moving. Many of our assumptions - the chair will always stay in place and never move - are being challenged. Chairs keep moving.
Most days we notice. We adjust. We seldom fall on the seat of our pants. But we could.
Hopefully I am discovering some lessons during Covid-19.
Many people are in dire circumstances. I am learning to pray for people in nations who could easily face famine in the months ahead. It makes my irritation about lines at the store melt to nothing.
There are people who are sick. I give thanks for health.
There are people who are hopeless. I give thanks for an abiding peace and the hope that comes.
Chairs are moving.
I have my moments. I will continue to fall on the seat of my pants. And when I do I will be thankful for those who witness my mishaps and express concern.
When I fall on the floor I will seek to do so with good humor. After all, this really isn't all about me. I am simply making daily adjustments to life. Where is that chair!
Today don't be shocked if you find your chair has moved. Chances are almost 100% that you will notice and adjust without thinking about it.
There may be an anxious moment. But chances are good you will notice and adjust as you find your new center.
You may fall on the seat of your pants. If you do, know that we are watching. We won't even laugh (at least until we see you are fine). We will care. We will shown concern. We will probably chuckle when we get back to the car as we picture that preacher falling out of his chair.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Reflections (Squirrels)
During this season of "stay-at-home" what have you "noticed" that has always been there? What are some of the things that have attracted your attention? What are you seeing, perhaps for the first time, or at least the first time in a long time?
Squirrels.
I keep noticing squirrels. They have always been there. I have always seen squirrels. But now I find myself noticing squirrels.
I have even developed some interest in squirrels. Who knew they were part of the Sciuridae family. I am not sure I even knew squirrels were in the rodent family. I probably knew that, but it was not something that registered with me day by day.
There are ground squirrels, chipmunks, (I do remember Chip and Dale cartoons) marmots, flying squirrels, (was that a flying squirrel in Rocky and Bullwinkle?) and prairie dogs.
I just noted more about squirrels than I think I ever thought about.
The first thing that got my attention during this stay-at-home time, was how squirrels seemed to be playing together. I started noticing them in pairs, not only alone.
Squirrels.
What might you "notice" today? What might stir a new, deeper, sense of appreciation in your soul?
Moments alone. I appreciate time to reflect and hear the voice of God.
Times of conversation. Even a brief greeting with another human being offers a moment of gratitude. It is important to recognize God in others. (I do long to be back in community with others.)
Sunrise. Not only does a new day begin, but new hopes and promises rise.
Sunset. Here is gratitude for another day.
A simple meal. The God who is "our daily bread" shows himself faithful yet again.
A tasty take out meal. The God who is abundant with blessings smiles.
The sound of a child. Life with unlimited possibilities.
The older adult. A testimony to faithfulness.
Squirrels! During meetings I tend to lose interest. I chase squirrels!
But not always. Squirrels are not merely distractions and nuisances. What has always been there could be seen in a new light. A gift.
Squirrels playing. A smile. Notice. Something more than I have always expected.
Ask God to let you notice something today. Open your eyes and heart to The Lord who puts things in fresh and redemptive perspectives. The familiar may become the sacred.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
Squirrels.
I keep noticing squirrels. They have always been there. I have always seen squirrels. But now I find myself noticing squirrels.
I have even developed some interest in squirrels. Who knew they were part of the Sciuridae family. I am not sure I even knew squirrels were in the rodent family. I probably knew that, but it was not something that registered with me day by day.
There are ground squirrels, chipmunks, (I do remember Chip and Dale cartoons) marmots, flying squirrels, (was that a flying squirrel in Rocky and Bullwinkle?) and prairie dogs.
I just noted more about squirrels than I think I ever thought about.
The first thing that got my attention during this stay-at-home time, was how squirrels seemed to be playing together. I started noticing them in pairs, not only alone.
Squirrels.
What might you "notice" today? What might stir a new, deeper, sense of appreciation in your soul?
Moments alone. I appreciate time to reflect and hear the voice of God.
Times of conversation. Even a brief greeting with another human being offers a moment of gratitude. It is important to recognize God in others. (I do long to be back in community with others.)
Sunrise. Not only does a new day begin, but new hopes and promises rise.
Sunset. Here is gratitude for another day.
A simple meal. The God who is "our daily bread" shows himself faithful yet again.
A tasty take out meal. The God who is abundant with blessings smiles.
The sound of a child. Life with unlimited possibilities.
The older adult. A testimony to faithfulness.
Squirrels! During meetings I tend to lose interest. I chase squirrels!
But not always. Squirrels are not merely distractions and nuisances. What has always been there could be seen in a new light. A gift.
Squirrels playing. A smile. Notice. Something more than I have always expected.
Ask God to let you notice something today. Open your eyes and heart to The Lord who puts things in fresh and redemptive perspectives. The familiar may become the sacred.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Reflections (words)
Words. I believe it was Rev. Charles Allen who first made me aware of the significance of words.
There are 66 words in the Lords Prayer.
There are 118 words in the 23 rd Psalm.
There are 286 words in the Gettysburg Address.
There are 1322 words in the Declaration of Independence.
Think of some of your favorites and check to see how many words it takes to communicate timeless truths.
Words. Three words changed the direction of Cindy's and my life.
It was like this. Cindy and I went to a seminar at Oral Roberts University in 1976. We had just figured out that God was calling us to change direction in our lives and enter the ministry. I applied to some seminaries. One of them was ORU. I was feeling led in that direction but did not have great confidence I could get in. I was a Physical Education major! I could diagram the triple-option but had no theological vocabulary. I started to fill out an application to another seminary but did not understand the terminology being used and ended up not following through.
Anyway, we are at ORU at this seminar. Dr. Jimmy Buskirk was the preacher that evening. We had heard Dr. Buskirk a couple of times prior to this. He was a larger than life figure to me. He was the preacher.
At the seminar we found another couple who had recently befriended us. Buddy and Carol Smith would become life long friends, but we were in the early days of getting acquainted. Actually Carol had led Cindy to a deep relationship with Jesus Christ a few months earlier. No wonder we liked each other!
They were there. We were hanging out together. When the service ended people were gathered in the lobby. Everyone wanted to greet Dr. Buskirk.
Then we noticed Buddy and Carol going to talk with him. They knew him. Both being from Mississippi and having done ministry together, they were more than acquaintances.
After they spoke for a little bit Buddy turned to Cindy and me and said, "We are going over to Jimmy and Nancy's house. Why don't you come with us?"
We hesitated. What do you do when someone says let's go this larger than life figures house? But Buddy said, "come on."
The next thing I knew we were sitting in Dr. Buskirk's living room with our friends and his wife, Nancy. I found myself telling him my story of what God was doing in our lives. I also mentioned that we had applied to begin seminary at ORU but had not heard if we were accepted or not.
We talked some more. Dr. B. (I am starting to get familiar with him now!) excused himself and went to another room. When we were all at the door getting ready to leave, he told me he had looked through the applications that were on his desk. Then he said, "Steve, if you want to come to ORU, it will be your decision."
Three words that changed our life. Three words that changed the direction of our lives. Three words that expanded our vision for what God had in store.
Three words.
You Are Accepted.
I will always be grateful for a friend who ushered me into the presence of one who would change my life.
There is another.
The writer of Hebrews extends an amazing word. "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
It strikes me that I have been welcomed at God's throne of grace. Furthermore, I am not required to come alone. Jesus, who has welcomed me (and you) into relationship with him, brings us to the throne of grace. We are introduced to God.
You are accepted.
In these days of caronavirus, let us come with great confidence to God's throne of grace. Receive the mercy and grace that only God may provide. This is our help in these times of need.
You are accepted.
To whom might you extend words of grace today?
Might I add another line I picked up later.
Accept your acceptance.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
There are 66 words in the Lords Prayer.
There are 118 words in the 23 rd Psalm.
There are 286 words in the Gettysburg Address.
There are 1322 words in the Declaration of Independence.
Think of some of your favorites and check to see how many words it takes to communicate timeless truths.
Words. Three words changed the direction of Cindy's and my life.
It was like this. Cindy and I went to a seminar at Oral Roberts University in 1976. We had just figured out that God was calling us to change direction in our lives and enter the ministry. I applied to some seminaries. One of them was ORU. I was feeling led in that direction but did not have great confidence I could get in. I was a Physical Education major! I could diagram the triple-option but had no theological vocabulary. I started to fill out an application to another seminary but did not understand the terminology being used and ended up not following through.
Anyway, we are at ORU at this seminar. Dr. Jimmy Buskirk was the preacher that evening. We had heard Dr. Buskirk a couple of times prior to this. He was a larger than life figure to me. He was the preacher.
At the seminar we found another couple who had recently befriended us. Buddy and Carol Smith would become life long friends, but we were in the early days of getting acquainted. Actually Carol had led Cindy to a deep relationship with Jesus Christ a few months earlier. No wonder we liked each other!
They were there. We were hanging out together. When the service ended people were gathered in the lobby. Everyone wanted to greet Dr. Buskirk.
Then we noticed Buddy and Carol going to talk with him. They knew him. Both being from Mississippi and having done ministry together, they were more than acquaintances.
After they spoke for a little bit Buddy turned to Cindy and me and said, "We are going over to Jimmy and Nancy's house. Why don't you come with us?"
We hesitated. What do you do when someone says let's go this larger than life figures house? But Buddy said, "come on."
The next thing I knew we were sitting in Dr. Buskirk's living room with our friends and his wife, Nancy. I found myself telling him my story of what God was doing in our lives. I also mentioned that we had applied to begin seminary at ORU but had not heard if we were accepted or not.
We talked some more. Dr. B. (I am starting to get familiar with him now!) excused himself and went to another room. When we were all at the door getting ready to leave, he told me he had looked through the applications that were on his desk. Then he said, "Steve, if you want to come to ORU, it will be your decision."
Three words that changed our life. Three words that changed the direction of our lives. Three words that expanded our vision for what God had in store.
Three words.
You Are Accepted.
I will always be grateful for a friend who ushered me into the presence of one who would change my life.
There is another.
The writer of Hebrews extends an amazing word. "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
It strikes me that I have been welcomed at God's throne of grace. Furthermore, I am not required to come alone. Jesus, who has welcomed me (and you) into relationship with him, brings us to the throne of grace. We are introduced to God.
You are accepted.
In these days of caronavirus, let us come with great confidence to God's throne of grace. Receive the mercy and grace that only God may provide. This is our help in these times of need.
You are accepted.
To whom might you extend words of grace today?
Might I add another line I picked up later.
Accept your acceptance.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
Monday, April 20, 2020
Reflections (deal with it)
This weekend Andy Stanley reference Admiral Jim Stockdale in his sermon. I heard him mention the name and recognized Stockdale. I had read about the "Stockdale Paradox" in Jim Collin's book, "Good to Great."
Stockdale was the highest ranking United States military officer to be a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. He was tortured and held for eight years.
His story has been recounted many times. Collins interviewed him. When asked what sustained him, Stockdale said, "I never lost faith in the end of the story."
He said he "never doubted that he would get out, but also that he would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of his life, which in retrospect, he would not trade". (Good to Great, Jim Collins, page 45)
That puts our present challenge in context. It helps me to refuse to live in denial. I am not going to try to convince myself, or anyone else, that this is not as bad as it seems. Coronvirus is bad. Lousy. I face that. By the Holy Spirit, I'll deal with it today.
At the same time I will not be defined by the cornovirus. I will deal with it. I will not yield to it.
Stockdale never lost faith in the end of the story. Good advice.
He was also asked about those who did not make it out of captivity. Who were they? Stockdale immediately would respond, "the optimists". They were the people who kept going on saying we will be home by Christmas, or Easter, or some other arbitrary date. The time would come and go. Eventually they gave in to the hard fact of their current reality.
Even as I write this I feel it is not very encouraging. I really want to say come summer we will be done with this mess. Could be. Probably not.
So, today I will deal with it. After all God promises our "daily bread". I'll trust God today. And as I trust God today, faith will increase and I will trust God tomorrow. And so on and so on.
But I won't give up - by God's grace - I won't give up.
By God's grace, I will grow in faith. Because I know the end of the story. And so do you.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
Stockdale was the highest ranking United States military officer to be a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. He was tortured and held for eight years.
His story has been recounted many times. Collins interviewed him. When asked what sustained him, Stockdale said, "I never lost faith in the end of the story."
He said he "never doubted that he would get out, but also that he would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of his life, which in retrospect, he would not trade". (Good to Great, Jim Collins, page 45)
That puts our present challenge in context. It helps me to refuse to live in denial. I am not going to try to convince myself, or anyone else, that this is not as bad as it seems. Coronvirus is bad. Lousy. I face that. By the Holy Spirit, I'll deal with it today.
At the same time I will not be defined by the cornovirus. I will deal with it. I will not yield to it.
Stockdale never lost faith in the end of the story. Good advice.
He was also asked about those who did not make it out of captivity. Who were they? Stockdale immediately would respond, "the optimists". They were the people who kept going on saying we will be home by Christmas, or Easter, or some other arbitrary date. The time would come and go. Eventually they gave in to the hard fact of their current reality.
Even as I write this I feel it is not very encouraging. I really want to say come summer we will be done with this mess. Could be. Probably not.
So, today I will deal with it. After all God promises our "daily bread". I'll trust God today. And as I trust God today, faith will increase and I will trust God tomorrow. And so on and so on.
But I won't give up - by God's grace - I won't give up.
By God's grace, I will grow in faith. Because I know the end of the story. And so do you.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
steve
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